Solar Eclipse - Do not view with Naked Eyes

      The Solar Eclipse is one of the best natural phenomenon on this Universe and is very pleasing to watch it on TV or media. 

      The scientists say its not fair to view the solar eclipse with naked eyes. Below are few points on it

• The sudden change in intensity of the light, viewing the sun during Eclipse may damage your eyes. The Human Eyes have a a very prominent protective mechanism to adjust automatically under various light conditions. During the Day when there is full illumination, the eyes close partially while at night when there is no illumination eyes open fully. This entire process doesn't happen in seconds but in few minutes.
• During total solar eclipse, there is complete darkness everywhere and eyes will be fully open to let in more light.
• During total eclipse the intensity of the sun is so high that it catches the eyes unaware. The intensity will be so high that it can damage the Retina of the eyes in seconds.

Hence, it is always desirable to watch the eclipses in caution either through prescribed lenses or telescopes.

  

Why Urine becomes Yellow after taking medications?

         Urine is one of the most important component in the body through which all the wastes drain out of the body. The Urine has various colors based upon the body conditions and other factors.

Why do Urine turn Yellow? Below are few updates on it.

        Yellowing of Urine is mainly due to the predominant rise in the unconjugated Bilirubin in the blood. This happens due to two reasons:

• Hemolytic Jaundice - Increased destruction of RBCs (Red Blood Cells).
• Obstructive Jaundice - Bile stone blockage of the Bile duct or any damage to the liver cells.

        Administration of certain drugs in the patients can also result in the rise in conjugated Bilirubin thereby causing yellowish Urine. Certain drugs can interfere with the Bilirubin Conjugation which is essential for its excretion through the Bile. This increase the conjugated Bilirubin levels in the blood. Even some common medicines like Paracetamol can be Hepatotoxic, which causes mild damage to liver cells thereby increasing Bilirubin levels in the blood. Acute Overdose of Paracetamol can cause Hepatic Necrosis.

    In the case of Tonics or Syrups yellowish of Urine is mainly due to the excretion of Vitamin B Complex. These Vitamins are Water Soluble and their absorption rate is Rapid. Yellow colorization is mainly due the presence of Riboflavin, which is a yellow green fluorescent compound.

Hence, be very cautious while using certain medications that can change colors of the Urine.

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)

          The Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) is the latest technology prescribed by the doctor for the people with diabetes to help them track and control their sugar levels continuously. These monitors are slowly gaining popularity and is available in market so that the user has the chance to wear it.

CGMs Functions:

         CGMs measure blood sugar without the need of blood for it. The patches cover tiny sensor wires that are inserted (painlessly) just under the skin to check glucose levels in inter­stitial fluid—the liquid that contains glucose and other substances leaked from blood capillaries. The CGM constantly monitors glucose levels and sends reports to a user’s smartphone or other device. These monitors have traditionally been prescribed to people with either type 1 or 2 diabetes who are insulin dependent. The monitor helps people adjust their insulin doses to keep their blood sugar close to normal range. Some of the monitors are even connected to insulin pumps that do the work automatically.

CGMs Benefits:

• CGMs can give diabetics on new insights on what they are eating.
• They can plan their activities that can benefit the glucose levels.
• The Hemoglobin HbA1C levels will come down.
• They will become more confident.
• The quality of life will improve.

         Despite the pressing need, however, CGM price tags, at present, range anywhere between Rs 5,000 and Rs 40,000, or higher. The Dexcom Stelo’s price, for example, is $99 (around Rs 8,300) per month, or $89 (Rs 7,500) with a subscription plan and is, as of now, available through the company’s official website. Another example—Medtronic’s CGM, which comes with a sensor and transmitter linked to an insulin pump, is priced at `40,000 for just the transmitter.

Obesity in Children - A threat!

         Obesity in Childhood is a serious public health problem affecting 29% of children in the world. Child Obesity persists into the adulthood making rooms for a various other lifestyle issues like coronary heart disease, Type II Diabetes, hypertension, asthma and deadly Cancers. The longer the obesity persists the risk of comorbidities increases. Preventing obesity is more important than treating it and this prevention should start at the very early childhood.

      Genetics plays a vital role in obesity for few children while in most cases its the dietary intake, parents feeding behaviors, child eating behaviors and opportunities to physical activities plays a vital role. As the child develops into adult, there is a significant changes to their weight and height.. Once they reach adulthood their body mass index becomes stable. Hence, the development of child in his early days plays significant role preventing it from challenges in its adulthood.

Minimal Repair Technique In The Treatment For Hernia

 

The “Minimal-Repair Technique” is a revolutionary surgical procedure in the treatment for hernia. Until recently, open surgery was a very common form of medical treatment for hernia. This type of surgery involves wide abdominal incisions, exposing the patients to a high risk of developing complications (internal bleeding, post-operative infections). In addition, patients who suffer traditional surgery recover slowly and require up to a few weeks of hospitalization.

Initially intended for correcting inguinal hernia, the “Minimal-Repair Technique” can nowadays be performed in the treatment of various other forms of hernia. This new approach in the surgical treatment for hernia is aimed at locally correcting the physiological defects caused by the disorder, thus requiring fewer and smaller incisions.

The “Minimal-Repair Technique” is faster, more reliable and very safe. This procedure leaves no visible scars and it considerably speeds up the patients’ post-operative recovery. The “Minimal-Repair Technique” has been embraced by doctors worldwide and it is now considered to be among the safest and most reliable options in the treatment for hernia. This new medical approach in the surgical treatment for hernia is especially recommended to professional athletes, who are now able to continue their practice within only a few days after surgery. The “Minimal-Repair Technique” provides remarkable results and has proved to be a very safe alternative to open surgery, as the risks of post-operative complications have been virtually eliminated.

Obesity Surgery – Think over it seriously

 

If you are Obese and wants to lead a healthier life, then Obesity Surgery is a serious decision to make. Obesity Surgery will have both complications as well as the benefits.

For Example, If you have the stomach stapling done you may pop a staple at some future point after the surgery. If you have a band it could just slip anytime. Either way you will need corrective surgery.

 

Your stomach will be smaller in size beneficially and will not be able to hold much food. This in turn will help you to reduce weight. Just because your stomach is smaller doesn’t mean that you have a great appetite after your recovery. In fact, some people feel that their appetite has dramatically reduced but after complete healing the old habits return back. This can be difficult if you eat quickly and order large amount of food.

 

After an obesity surgery, you will fill up very quickly and can inadvertently make yourself sick. Also continuing with the sedentary lifestyle will hinder your efforts. Its important to start and stay active. One way to stay active and a suggested way for obesity surgery patients is walking.

Prostate Cancer - Risk Factors

 

The Prostate is a small, walnut-shaped sex gland in men that produces the seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. The growth of the cells in the prostate gland is stimulated by the male sex hormone called testosterone. Possible consequences of treatment include erectile dysfunction and bladder control problems. Prostate cancer progresses very slowly and the early stages show little or no symptoms. A man’s vulnerability to prostate cancer increases with age.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:

• Difficulty in Urination
• Urgency in Urination
• Dull persistent pain in lower pelvic area
• Painful Urination
• Frequent Urination
• Difficulty in Ejaculation
• Loss of Appetite 
• Weight Loss

Risk Factors:

• Age
• Heredity
• Sedentary Lifestyle
• Fat Rich Diet
• Increased production of Testosterone

A routine screening test may reveal the beginnings of prostate cancer. A DRE (Digital Rectal Examination), which involves inserting a gloved finger into the rectum, helps the doctor to examine the prostate. Any change in shape or size of the gland may mean trouble. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test analyzes a blood sample for the levels of PSA. If a higher than normal level is detected, a prostate infection or cancer may be suspected. A transrectal ultrasound helps to further evaluate the prostate using sound waves. If initial tests produce positive results, a prostate biopsy may be done to verify the presence of cancer. If cancer is confirmed, the next step is to investigate the spread of the cancer. A bone scan, CT scan, and Ultrasound scan may be used for this.

The mode of treatment directly depends on how aggressive the cancer is. For most men, a combination of treatments (surgery, radiation paired with hormone therapy, chemotherapy) may prove effective.

The best way to reduce the risk from prostate cancer is to eat a diet rich in fiber and low in fat. Regular exercise also helps.